Cool Products and Stuff Blog for Canadian Moms

The Joy of Toys

Having children has added so much more meaning to every aspect of the Holidays - from the traditions and the wonder, to the real reason behind the celebrations, to family gatherings and the joy of giving to others.  But, let’s be realistic, for children much of the excitement lies in the anticipation of receiving gifts and for most that means toys. Putting together a Holiday wish list and writing to Santa receives the type of care and attention in our house, I can only dream of when it comes to homework.  I also know a few big kids (aka my husband) who have quite the wish list too. 

Thanks to the evolution of online shopping, toy shopping has become a relaxing task. (www.airmilesshops.ca hosts leading toy stores and personal and home electronics retailers. )

To make it even easier most sites have gift suggestions categorized by age, interest, brand and price point.  airmilesshops has an inbuilt product search feature that cuts down the work even more, by identifying the retailers that carry the items you are looking for.

Many sites also have wish-list features where your loved-ones can register their gift ideas.  And, don’t forget to take advantage of gift wrap services, free shipping offers and have the gifts delivered to the destination of your choice. (Tip: arrange to have the parcels shipped to a neighbour, friend or relative to avoid a perceptive little-one asking why Santa uses Purolator!)

In honour of boys and girls of all ages, here are some fabulous gift ideas from the “toy” retailers at www.airmilesshops.ca

Toys R Us
Having boys, it has been a lot of fun looking for girls’ toys, but I know a lot of parents want toys that represent good role models to their girls.  I think these Polly Pocket Cool Careers dolls fit the mold and are only $19.99, exclusively at Toys R Us.   The Littlest Pet Shop store is more of an investment at $54.99, but comes with tons of animals and props, such as pet food and a cash register.

Talking of feisty career girls, Toys R Us has a selection of exclusive Dora items including this shopping cart and groceries for $29.99, or how about the Dora version of Candyland for only $8.97, or the Diego rescue pack complete with Baby Jaguar and tools to help animals in need, $19.99?
        

Cars, cars, cars…most boys love cars and the choice is endless.  This Cars movie branded Mack truck offers lots of options for imaginative play – it opens up to reveal living quarters. It’s $19.99.  The Rugged Rigs Tow Truck from Little Tikes features lights and sounds and is $14.97.

 

The classic game of Risk has never looked better than in this special collectors tin and it’s a great gift idea for the big kids (aka husbands, dads, brothers) in our lives (just don’t let them get involved in a game until the dishes have been done – it goes on for ever!)  $49.99.

Babies R Us
For those less than one year old, a nice idea is to give a keepsake or a classic toy that he/she can play with in the future.  Babies R Us has a variety of photo frames, memory keepers, piggy banks and more.   
   

Toys that encourage activity and exploration are appropriate from 6 months. The ball and blocks are $19.99.  The V-tech Sit to Stand Activity Walker grows along with baby, $39.99, and the classic Fisher Price Stacker is always a hit and only $7.97.

 
 

MasterMind Toys
Mastermind is known for its educational and inspiring toys for babies through pre-teens.  Not to mention a fabulous, free gift wrapping service. 

Take a look at a great multi-purpose gift for young babies – a teether (can be refrigerated) and toy that encourages sensory exploration all in one and it’s only $13.99.  Finding a spot to put baby down while you do some of life’s necessary tasks is always a challenge.  K’s-Kids Jumbo Go-Go Car is recommended from 5 months and all its bells and whistles keep baby safe and occupied while you take a quick shower or make dinner. $70.99.

 

For 6-12 month olds, this Fishbowl offers a lot of options – the sea creatures rattle and crinkle and the in/out concept is assisted by see-through and washable sides!  $22.99.  Keeping a baby-on-the go occupied in his/her car seat, high chair or stroller can become challenging. The Buggy buddies books have interesting, textured images and attach on so you avoid the “I throw and mom picks up game.”  $6.50.

 

Thomas the Tank Engine is one of those classic toys that you can give to a baby and can be taken out when he/she is ready at about age 2.  Thomas has been a part of our lives since my oldest was 18 months. (He’s now 7.)  Once pre-schoolers get to know the various characters, there’s usually a train or two that can be added to holiday (and birthday wish-lists) year-after-year. Mastermind has a fantastic selection of sets, trains and track.

      

For little girls, a first doll makes a memorable Holiday gift.  Here are a couple of thoughtful choices. 

Teaching Teddies teaches how to tie a bow, button up, zip a zipper, attach Velcro and buckle a buckle. But most important of all, she's a great cuddly friend to take anywhere. $26.99.  And, Doucette from Corolle is soft and lightweight, so that little girls as young as 18 months can take her along wherever they go.  Also $26.99.   

 

Looking for something to keep your toddler occupied in the kitchen other than emptying the cabinets? This Leap Frog Fridge Magnet Letter Set might just be the trick. Secure the magnetic reader to the refrigerator and place a letter on it to hear a musical phonics song about that letter. Promises your child will be arranging the letters into words in no time (no guarantees you won’t get interrupted though!) $29.99.

 

Twister with an educational twist. Kids tie themselves in knots figuring out the continents and oceans of the world. $13.99.

Amazon.ca
Books, CD’s and DVD’s make great gifts and Amazon.ca is a great place to visit for the latest releases and more unusual audio-visual gift ideas.

The Pirates of the Caribbean 2-disc special edition is something for a family with grade school kids to enjoy together.  Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom guarantee us moms will want to watch too. $25.96 for the set. For the younger crowd, Curious George is a lovely choice ($15.99) and appeals to both boys and girls.

 

My in-laws have sent us a few audiobooks over the years, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how much my boys have enjoyed listening to them in the car (makes a guilt-free alternative to having them watch movies on long journeys.)

Take a look at the selection at amazon.ca for all ages and interests. Prices range from approx. $15 - $50. Here are a few examples.

 
 

HBC
Keswick is HBC’s 2006 Limited Edition Charity Bear is designed for kids, collectors and everyone with a warm heart. You can purchase Keswick for just $9.99 and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to local charities.   

Chapters Indigo
Mr. Potato Head highlights the icon at the new online toy store at Chapters Indigo, and in my experience this classic makes a great gift from about 2 years ($8.95.) 

 

These memory match clam bath toys come in a handy mesh bag and are $19.95.

The Cranium series of games have become a Canadian family favourite. Get a head-start on family game night with this Cariboo treasure hunt edition for 2 to 4 players, ages 3 and up at $19.95, Balloon Lagoon for ages 5-8 is $34.95. Cadoo for ages 7 and up is $39.95 and Cranium Deluxe is a great family gift at $49.99.

     

Knights, dragons and princesses never go out of style.  Like any property, a castle is a bit of an investment (typically $100 + for a good quality version), but the characters make wonderful stocking stuffers at $6.50.   
 
 
Electronic Game Systems
O.K.  Brace yourselves.  Here’s the part about electronic game systems.  My best advice here is to get dads, uncles and big brothers involved in the research and purchase decision - after all they want one of these as much as the kids!  Stores such as TigerDirect.ca, The Source by Circuit City, Office Depot and Sony Style Canada (all located at airmilesshops.ca) are a big kid’s dream come true – all the personal and home electronics, computers, games and gadgets they could wish for.

However, do take a look at the games available for each system.  Some have more choices than others for younger kids and are more reasonably priced.

Sony Style Canada
Sony is the creator of the Playstation series of handheld systems and has just launched Playstation 3, which can be played through the TV.

The PSP handheld packs a multimedia punch by running games, music, videos and photos and even internet access anywhere. It retails for approx. $200. Games are approx. $50 - $70.

The visuals are incredibly real and lifelike, and the new technology in the Playstation 3 system allows the player to intuitively play the games (just like you are really holding that tennis racquet of golf club.) Approximately $700 for the system.

The Source by Circuit City
The new Wii system from Nintendo is the other hot new gaming system of the season, and also promises an incredibly life-like look and feel to its games.  $279.99 for this system and games are around $60.

The XBOX 360 core system starts out with the basics and lets you expand at your own pace. $399.99 for the basic system and games range from $30 - $70.

Office Depot
Office Depot has products for both work and play. The retailer carries the Nintendo GameCube system which claims one of the largest choices of games on the market and is innovative in its cube design. $120 and games are $20 -$40.

Tigerdirect.ca
TigerDirect.ca retails brand name computers, components, software and games.

Nintendo’s DS Lite Portable Game System plus the new Over the Hedge game is $215.99 and additional games start at around $35.

All the stores and products highlighted above can be accessed via www.airmilesshops.ca, the AIR MILES Reward Program’s online shopping destination.

To enroll in the AIR MILES Reward Program, visit www.airmiles.ca

Holiday Shopping Tips

OK, I admit to being a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the holidays (and for me that means Christmas).  I always adhered to the notion that shopping and all things Christmassy must wait until the season of Advent, which officially begins on December 1st. But, not just because of tradition. Waiting for the Holidays is almost as good as the celebrations themselves - something to be savoured like a delicious treat.

These days, life is a little more hectic, and that’s why November 1st marks the start of my new season of Advent. With all my relatives out-of-town, shopping for the perfect gift for each of them needs a little more time and, corny as it sounds, I benefit from a jumpstart on getting into the holiday spirit. 

I rarely ask anyone what they would like for Christmas, because I love the challenge of finding the gift for each of my loved ones.  I think it adds to the meaning of the season when someone that cares about you finds something special and surprising. It’s not really about the gift at all, but the expression it’s the thought that counts is never more meaningful than at this time of year.

Having said that, a little help with great gift ideas never goes amiss. I discovered online shopping three holiday seasons ago and it has completely changed the way I shop for everyone.  I can cosy-up with my pajamas and laptop and visit online malls and retailers at a time of my choosing.  Most sites offer great gift suggestions, wrap and deliver gifts directly to the recipient or to your door, and it’s a great way to shop with my boys.  (Who knew shopping could be turned into a computer game?!)

My favourite online shopping mall is www.airmilesshops.ca. It has a great selection of North American brands (such as La Senza, Lands’ End, Chapters Indigo and J. Crew and many more), and also offers a great Canadian benefit – AIR MILES Reward Miles on all purchases. 

Here’s a Top Ten with fabulous treats for friends, sisters, brothers, parents and husbands, plus few goodies that you might want to add to your own wish-list, from www.airmilesshops.ca and urbanmoms.ca.

Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

A good book

Men are notoriously difficult to buy for, especially Fathers and Fathers-in-law, but what Canadian dad wouldn’t love Hockey: A People’s History, by Michael McKinley which accompanies the CBC TV series. It’s $39.60 at chapters.indigo.ca in hardcover, and looks pretty sharp as a coffee table book – so you’ll please your Mother/Mother-in-law too!

Tuned in!

Well, everyone wants one, and now there’s even more reason to treat someone to an iPod Nano.  A portion of sales from this little red dynamo will go towards the campaign to fight AIDS in Africa.  Available from Apple Store Canada, it costs $229.

It’s in the bag!

No doubt, like me, since you have become a mom, you find yourself needing larger and larger handbags.  And, the need for a large carryall doesn’t end with diaper duty.  My boys are 4 and 7, and I find I still need a large tote for an array of snacks, drinks, toy cars, Batman, Spiderman et al, and a variety of rocks and sticks for ongoing collections. I think this faux Shearling version from Lands’ End is perfect for us Canadian moms.  It’s available in a variety of colours and costs $39.50 USD.

Something Special for Someone Special

If you want to surprise and delight your mom, sister or a special friend this year, this gorgeous, circle pendant from ice.com is the real thing! It has 1/8 Carat Diamonds set in 14K White Gold.  Surprisingly, it costs $135.

Pajama Party

Who said flannel pajamas are unsexy? It’s not just the model – these fun flannels from La Senza.com are cute and only $19.50!

Cool Cashmere

Ahh, cashmere – the coolest cover-up, but expensive and difficult to care for, right?  Not so!  Check out this great sweater from Lands’s End that’s perfect for just about every man in your life.

It’s a cotton-cashmere blend, so machine washable, is available in a dozen great colours and is only $49.50 USD.

CD Must-have

I can’t wait to listen to this new CD from fellow Canadian mom, Sarah McLachlan.  Wintersong features classics such as Silent Night and I’ll be Home for Christmas, as well as a couple of new songs from Sarah herself, and a duet of Christmas Time is Here with Diana Krall. Currently, only $12.96  at amazon.ca.

White Christmas

It just wouldn’t be the holidays without someone receiving a cosy robe. I love this one from Lands’ End because it’s full-length, roomy and great quality for $59.50 USD.  Great for curling up by the fireplace with a good book and a Baileys. The great thing about buying a robe for someone else is that you can give them the luxury of a white one – every woman I know (and especially moms) would love a white robe, but would never purchase one for themselves because “it’s not practical.”  Pshaw! If you have a washing machine, you can have a white robe.

For the Gadget Guru

There’s no denying it – men love gadgets. This one is a Sirius Satellite radio which can be installed in-vehicle. Features such as SIRIUS GameZone™ which lets hubby select his favourite teams from each of the sports leagues or college sports and view their scores on screen, plus SIRIUS GameAlert™ which prompts him when his favourite teams' games are on and when the scores change, will ensure that he never needs to hog the computer or TV set again. (Note: this is not part of the guarantee!) From the Source by Circuit City. Cost: $169.99.

Hot Stuff

Last, but by no means least, from one girlfriend to another, The Toronto Firefighters Calendar, is hard to resist.  Not only does it feature 13 of the city’s finest and hunkiest, proceeds go to a good cause, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. $14.99, exclusively at Hbc stores.

All the stores and products highlighted above can be accessed via www.airmilesshops.ca, the AIR MILES Reward Program’s online shopping destination.

To enroll in the AIR MILES Reward Program, visit www.airmiles.ca

Katie is mom to two boys (the best anti-shopping devices on the market), and indulges her love of shopping and fashion writing on theses topics, conducting wardrobe consultations and personal shopping expeditions for friends and acquaintances, providing advice on everything from wardrobe must-haves to accessories and footwear.

What Inspires You?

I first saw this video at an urbanmoms.ca member's blog here and she asked "what inspires you"?  I wept and cried and smiled.  There is something about this that just speaks to the core of every person's need for human contact.  This video says so much.  Sending {{{HUGS}}} to all of you!

Take a look:

What I didn't know at the time but learned after a little research is that this Free Hugs Campaign has become a global movement.  This is what the people at the Free Hugs Campaign said:

Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives. In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.

As this symbol of human hope spread accross the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witnessed is the true spirit of humanity coming together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.

In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER! After all, If you can reach just one person...

The response to this video has been nothing short of overwhelming and touching. Hugs to every single one of you who messaged. There have been thousands of emails from all over the world by people seeking to participate in the Free Hugs campaign and asking for permission. You do not need permission. This is the peoples' movement, this is *your* movement. With nothing but your bare hands you can make THE difference.